Volume 067: Akka 1299 A.H. (1881–1882), Part II (7 of 7)

BH11928: The foundation of tranquility has been shaken, the pillars…

Section 1: “The foundation of tranquility has been shaken…”

He is God, exalted be His station, the Greatness and the Power!

The foundation of tranquility has been shaken, the pillars of steadfastness have trembled, and hearts and minds have been troubled by the appearance of deeds and actions in various forms—at times appearing as cannons, at others as bullets, at times as rifles, and at times in the form of daggers and swords. What was built over a thousand years or more has been demolished. The works of Alexander the First, by whom Alexandria was built and named, have been nullified. Calamities have seized it from all directions such that its lamp has been extinguished, its winds have become still, its ornaments and splendor have perished, its veil has been rent, its traces have been burned, and its people have been scattered. Today nothing can be seen except as a patch of ashes or a mound of dust. Woe unto those whom the world has so occupied that they have turned away from their Origin, their Creator, their Provider, their Quickener, and their Helper. They have clung to their desires, turning away from the Lord of all humanity. Verily, they are among the most lost in the perspicuous Book.

Prayers and peace be upon Him by Whose name the world was illumined and Who established the balance of justice among the nations—He through Whose ascension the heaven and all above it were glorified, and through Whose beauty the earth and all that is within and upon it smiled—and upon His family and companions, through whom necks were humbled before the Lord of the horizons and idols fell through the power of the days. These are servants whom the All-Merciful has described in the Furqan with His words: “They speak not before He speaks, and they act by His command,” and “On them shall be no fear, neither shall they grieve.”

O beloved of my heart and pulse within my breast! Your letter has reached my heart and has rekindled what had been extinguished, bearing as it did your sweetest utterance and your words which testified to your sincerity towards God, the Lord of Names and Creator of Heaven. Blessed is the pen through which the sorrowful was gladdened and every extinguished flame was rekindled. The servant beseeches God, his Lord and the Lord of earth and heaven, to strengthen you and preserve you in these days when darkness has encompassed God’s lands and cities, God’s religion and law, God’s Faith and Cause. There has appeared what God had previously revealed in the Psalms and Tablets, and in these days there has emerged the remainder of what was inscribed by the Supreme Pen from God, the Creator of all things. And soon other matters shall appear to fulfill what the Tongue of Grandeur has spoken in a Tablet which none has seen save Him. To this testifies every insightful and certain one. God, the Single, the One, the Exalted, the Great, has spoken truth, and he who has confirmed what has appeared in these days by the command of the Powerful, the Ancient, has spoken truth.

Regarding what was written about the beloved, Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Asadu’llah, upon him be all the Most Glorious Glory of God, as well as all the petitions that were sent—all were presented before the Presence, and the Sun of Grace has risen and shone upon each one. How wonderful is this heavenly blessing that has descended in such wise as to surpass all earthly blessings, descending at all times from the heaven of the All-Merciful’s grace. However, that beloved one and this evanescent one and all the friends of God must beseech the True One, exalted be His glory, that a true hunger be found on earth. Verily, He is the Forgiving, the Generous.

Concerning what thou hadst written regarding the consort of Jináb-i-Áqá Siyyid ‘Alí—upon him be the Bahá of God—according to the request of that honored lady, mention of her was made in the Most Holy and Impregnable Court. He said: Her mention hath repeatedly been made in the Most Great Scene, and she hath attained unto the favor of the Lord of Destiny. God willing, may they drink from the ocean of steadfastness and look toward that which God hath willed.

And We mention in this station My handmaid who hath been named Fáṭimih, and We announce unto her the glad-tidings of My remembrance, wherewith all the Manifestations of the Cause have, aforetime and hereafter, been gladdened. I, verily, am the All-Knowing, the All-Informed. We have forgiven her, and her father, and her mother, and whomsoever she hath desired. Let her render thanks unto God for this mighty bounty.

O My handmaid! The ocean of forgiveness hath surged, yet none hath turned thereunto save a few. The countenance of thy Lord is forgiving, bountiful. Verily, the people have turned away from that which is approved, and have turned toward that which is rejected. Thus have their own selves enticed them, and they perceive it not. They behold the verses and deny them; they hear the Call and turn away therefrom.

And We make mention of him by whose remembrance the temple of martyrdom was adorned among the people, and of his brother who offered up his spirit in the path of God, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting. And We make mention of the people of the House, and of those who attained unto their love and circumambulated round them out of love for God, the Mighty, the Loving.

O Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín! Upon thee be My Bahá. In all conditions the Pen of the Most High hath mentioned, and doth mention, the people of truth—especially the two shining and radiant lights, and then Kāẓim, who attained unto the Most Great Martyrdom in this mighty Cause.

Blessed are those souls whom the fleeting world, and its conditions and colors, have not withheld from the True One, and who have quaffed from the cup of tribulation and adversity in His path, and have clung to the cord of patience and long-suffering.

Convey the takbír to the people of Nún and Jím. Say: That which hath befallen you in His path is clear and manifest in the presence of Him Who is the Dawning-place of the light of Divine Unity. Sorrow not for that which hath befallen you in His path. The fleeting days of the world, in the sight of the possessors of vision, are accounted as less than the least of things. Soon shall annihilation seize it, and the people of truth shall attain unto a recompense which all that is upon the earth can never equal.

O Zayn! They have heard in the path of God that which hath caused the Concourse on High to lament, and there hath befallen them that which hath made the eyes of the denizens of Paradise weep. This is a glad-tiding from Us, and I am the All-Wise Bearer of Glad-Tidings. How many souls return to dust at every moment, leaving no trace or sign behind, for whatsoever remaineth of them in this world hath yielded and shall yield them no fruit. Blessed are they who have attained unto mention by the Most Exalted Pen, for its fragrance shall endure throughout the eternity of the divine names. Say: O friends! Know ye the value of the days of the All-Merciful, and arise to that which beseemeth and is worthy. O Zayn! We have made mention of those who have believed and have arisen to serve the Cause with such remembrance as neither extinction shall overtake nor the passing of centuries and ages shall alter. Blessed is he who pondereth on that which hath appeared from the ocean of God’s bounty, the Lord of the worlds.

Convey greetings from God unto the people of Alif and Ra. That which hath befallen them in My path hath caused those who are nigh to lament. Say: Beware lest the doings of the oppressors sadden you. Turn ye with illumined hearts unto the Most Sublime Horizon; then shall ye behold the lights of the sun of your Lord’s loving-kindness, the Mighty, the Beloved.

Verily We have made mention of the Most Great Victory in such wise that were it to be cast upon fire thou wouldst behold it as light, and were it cast upon a rivulet thou wouldst see it as an ocean, and were it cast upon bones they would move and arise by the leave of God, the Lord of existence. God willing, may all drink from the ocean of joy and be illumined by the lights of His countenance. All the friends in every region are remembered before the Divine Throne and are the recipients of His grace. However, We counsel all to engage in such deeds and affairs as will lead to the exaltation of God’s Cause and to that which hath been recorded in the Book by the Most Exalted Pen. Should they pause for but an hour to reflect upon the changes and upheavals of the earth that were previously revealed by the Most Exalted Pen, all would find themselves detached and free, and would cling with the utmost joy and fragrance to the One True Friend. Thus hath the Tongue of Grandeur spoken, as a token of His grace, for He is the All-Bountiful, the Most Great. There is no God but Him, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.

I convey my greetings to that honored lady, upon her be the Glory of God. Her mention and her petitions have ever reached the Most Holy Court and received their response. In these days she hath sent a letter to this servant, but until now no reply hath been possible. This is not due to neglect but to the press of occupation. God willing, may she ever be engaged in the remembrance of the One True Goal and keep the mirror of her heart illumined by His remembrance. For some time the sending of correspondence hath become difficult. No affair in these regions is observed with the stability and tranquility of former times. In brief, confusion, revolution and turmoil are manifest in every class. We beseech the Exalted True One, glorified be His majesty, to aid His Faith and adorn these lands with the ornament of security. Verily, He hath power over all things.

Concerning what thou didst write about Jinab-i-Aqa Siyyid Muhammad-ʿAli, upon him be the Glory of God, praise be to God he is safe, but Egypt hath fallen under the might of English guns these past two days. Security and rest have been achieved. God willing, news of the aforementioned one will reach his survivors as commanded. Convey greetings to his family on behalf of the True One and console them. It was said that the aforementioned one hath been negligent and should send news of himself. However, since that region hath been in turmoil for some time—indeed, to such an extreme degree that Alexandria is observed as a mound of dust—these great upheavals have been the cause of the lack of news.

Mention was made of Jinab-i-Aqa Ali-Akbar, upon him be the Glory of God, from the land of K. The aforementioned one along with Jinab-i-Haji Ghulam-Ali, upon him be the Glory of God, arrived and attained the presence. The small amount they wrote about should reach here. They sent 17 tumans of Siyyids’ portion to His Holiness Afnan, upon him be the most glorious Glory of God, which should reach that Presence, and likewise they gave one and a half liras to Jinab-i-Nazir, upon him be the Glory of God, which should also reach that Beloved One, and they gave these to this servant, therefore it is submitted that as commanded, when Huquq reaches that person these two items should be taken from it.

Some of the friends have not paid the Huququ’llah and have not acted according to what was revealed in God’s Book by the Most Exalted Pen, therefore some of the loved ones are living in utmost hardship. The servant beseeches God his Lord to grant them abundance and bestow upon them the good of this world and the next and make them wealthy in the earth. Verily He is the Compassionate, the Generous. This matter will surely become manifest. Beseech the True One to aid all to fulfill what hath been revealed by the Most Exalted Pen in the Book.

That which thou hast written concerning the handmaiden of God, Zubaydih, was presented before the Most Holy Court, and the Sun of loving-kindness dawned forth resplendent. For her is the right to render thanksgiving and praise unto God, inasmuch as she hath been enabled to migrate in the name of God. God willing, may she be adorned with the ornament of faithfulness and be engaged in that which God loveth and beholdeth. God hath forgiven her and those for whom she hath sought forgiveness. O Zayn, convey to her My glory and gladden her with the mention of God, the Protector, the Self-Subsisting.

As to thy mention of Hubu’llah, upon him be the Glory of God, this was presented, and thus did the Tongue of the Intended One speak forth when the Throne was established upon the mountain: We have aforetime made mention of him who beareth My name, and of his father and mother, as a token of Our grace, for verily I am the All-Bountiful, the Generous. We have sent down for My name that which hath brought joy to the eyes of Paradise and the dwellers of the cities of names, for verily I am the Omnipotent over whatsoever I will, there is no God but I, the Forgiving, the Merciful. He hath migrated from the Land of Ta by reason of that which befell him in the path of God, the Lord of all worlds.

He is among those who have attained unto My tender mercy and My loving-kindness, and who turned toward My horizon in the earliest days while most of the people were heedless. Through his departure, brought about through tyranny and oppression, the hearts of those who have turned toward the Supreme Horizon and clung to the cord of God, the Lord of all worlds, were saddened. God willing, may My name Jamal and those with him be adorned at all times with the ornament of contentment. The essence of the Cause hath been and shall ever be the good-pleasure of God, exalted be His glory. This is that ocean whereof one drop is more beneficial than sight, more profitable than hearing, and more fruitful than speech. This is that matter unto which all the books of the peoples have commanded and guided. Blessed are they that attain thereunto.

O thou beloved of my heart! In truth, should a soul in these spiritual days—whose excellences and stations are beyond the reckoning of the world—attain unto this station, and should such exalted words as aforementioned flow forth concerning him from the Supreme Pen, he hath attained unto all good and is adorned with true wealth, even should he possess not a single coin. Should he arrive in a barren desert, by the life of God, he would want for nothing, for true bounty and spiritual sustenance would accompany and attend him. May God provide for us, for your honor, and for the company of those near unto God.

As regards what was written concerning Mulla ʿAbdu’llah, God willing, may he attain to divine grace and be honored with the nobility of steadfastness. This matter was presented in the Most Holy and Most Exalted Presence, and these sublime words descended from the heaven of grace and revelation:

“O Zaynu’l-Muqarrabin! The grace of God requires that thou shouldst mention to those who have turned towards Him such verses as are the cause and origin of existence and perpetuity, and seek divine confirmation for those who turn away and are heedless. Verily His mercy has preceded all and His grace has encompassed all existence. God willing, may the person mentioned attain to the recognition of Truth and to that which befits these days. The sending of a special Tablet is not permitted. Act with utmost love and speak according to his capacity and station. As regards the sending of Tablets, if they are concealed it is closer to righteousness. I beseech God, thy Lord, to manifest that whereby every distant one may draw nigh, every slumberer may be awakened, every seated one may arise, and every wanderer may be guided. Verily, He is the Almighty, the All-Powerful.”

Section 2: “All are commanded to observe wisdom…”

All are commanded to observe wisdom, and to act in such wise that for some time now nothing has been sent to the honored physician—upon him be the glory of God and His grace—and to the loved ones of Iraq—upon them be the glory of God—for in this land certain heedless souls have been and are secretly engaged in circulating certain publications. However, God doeth whatsoever He willeth, and in His right hand is all power. He is the One, the Single, the All-Choosing.

Mention was made of Muhammad-Husayn of Nur. This is what was revealed for him from the heaven of the grace of our Lord, the Most Merciful:

In My Name, the All-Knowing!

O Muhammad-Husayn! He who loved Me mentioned thee in his letter which he sent to the servant who standeth before My face. When I heard it, I made mention of thee. Verily, the Wronged One remembereth him who remembereth Him, and turneth unto him who hath turned unto God, the One, the All-Informed. Give thanks unto God for this Most Great Remembrance wherewith the Tongue of Grandeur hath spoken from His Most Great Prison. Say: Verily, He hath changed the prison into the Most Exalted Paradise, yet the people are drowning in the ocean of heedlessness. We have sent down from the heaven of Our Will that which a single letter thereof hath distinguished the books of the Messengers. Say: By God! This is the Day of vision, for the Greatest Countenance hath been adorned with a wondrous ornament, and this is the Day of hearing, for the Call hath been raised from this luminous Spot. Thus have the verses been revealed, and their station and rank have been made manifest by their very nature, which none hath understood save God, the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

God willing, may the one mentioned prove worthy and become a fit vessel to carry the pearls of utterance of the Goal of all the worlds.

The second epistle from His Holiness, dated the twenty-seventh of Jamadi’th-Thani, transformed the darkness of separation into the light of reunion, dispelled sorrow and raised high the banner of joy. Its opening, adorned with mention of the Lord of all peoples and nations, was presented before His countenance. Thus did the tongue give utterance in the Kingdom of expression:

O Zaynu’l-Muqarrabin! This Wronged One is encompassed by yet another sorrow, and grief is added unto grief, for the Lamp of Batha is surrounded by diverse winds, and the Light of Hijaz is eclipsed. The world is observed to be in turmoil. None among the mighty show mercy to the weak. For instance, if the governance of the world should rest with one person, and a single village remain outside his dominion, he strives day and night to seize that village too. Would that such greed and desire were directed to other ends! Most of the world’s conflicts arise purely from vain desire, though attributed to religion, zeal and homeland. Religion and homeland bear witness to the falsehood of this people.

Say: The earth is but one country and mankind’s origin is from one Word. For what purpose is this strife, and for whom this enmity? O Zayn! These are the consequences of deeds appearing in diverse forms. Beseech God not to deprive all from the cup of equity. All believers and sincere ones must pray that perchance the divine religion may be preserved. The greatest fault is that the oppressor cannot be distinguished from the oppressed. The source of tyranny claims justice. A great realm has fallen to enemies through mere desire. Had the people of the earth acted with fairness and followed what God has decreed, no harm would have touched the world, and all would have been observed resting in the cradle of security. Verily He knows, speaks, sees and reveals, and He is the All-Knowing, the All-Informed.

O Zayn! The servant in attendance is present. What you presented at the beginning of your letter has been presented. We have heard it and answered you. By My life! From your words We perceived the fragrance of sincerity to God, the True One. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to aid you to arise as He has aided you through His grace, and He is the Mighty, the Powerful. And We beseech Him to guide the people to His straight path. Convey My greetings to My loved ones who have held fast to justice when the darkness of oppression encompassed all lands. Say: O friends! Hold fast to deeds and virtuous conduct, and forget not the divine commandments, that perchance the fragrance of goodly deeds may influence the people of the world.

You are among those who have endured in God’s path that which has been recorded in the Book of the world, in such wise that water cannot wash it away, nor can successive centuries and ages remove it from sight. Strive that these lofty stations may not be lost, nor the lightning of desire burn their pages. This Wronged One is occupied night and day with counsel and exhortation, with words that would melt even the hardest rock were they to be placed upon it. We beseech God to illumine hearts with the light of His Word, that all may act in accordance with that which will exalt His Cause among His servants. Likewise convey greetings to the handmaidens of that land and gladden them with the remembrance of the Wronged One.

Praise be to God! The Sun of loving-kindness is shining and the Ocean of utterance is surging. At one time He said:

“O thou who art present before the Countenance! The purpose of this Wronged One in enduring hardships, the taunts of the people, the afflictions that have befallen Him, and successive tribulations and calamities, is that the people of the earth may not regard the divine religion and His Faith as a cause and source of rancor and enmity, so that discord may be removed from among all and the horizons may be illumined with the light of unity.”

Time and again hath this servant heard such exalted words from the tongue of the Desired One. In truth, should the world attain unto this utterance, it would achieve everlasting rest.

As to what thou hadst written about the two festivals coinciding—for on the Most Great Festival this great glad-tidings arrived—He said: “O Zein! We have honored them with a third,” and these are the words which are adorned with the ornament of divine praise and glorification. In truth, this station is not confined to limits, for throughout successive years thou hast been and art the recipient of countless favors. This is indeed clear and evident. The blessed messenger arrived on the blessed day. This is due to thy sincerity and certitude, O thou who art beloved! God willing, mayest thou ever be the recipient of the favors of God, exalted be His glory. Verily, He is with you wherever you may be.

Concerning what thou hadst written about some of the handmaidens of God requesting that they be mentioned in special places—this evanescent servant, after divine grace and heavenly confirmations, is always occupied with the mention of the friends, especially in the holy places and exalted, transcendent stations. God willing, may all be assisted and attain the privilege of visiting the House of God. God is powerful and mighty. May He record from the Pen of Grace the reward of the pilgrims for all. Verily, He is the One with power over whatsoever He willeth. There is no God but Him, the Strong, the Mighty.

The mention of the sister of Ustad Abdul-Karim—upon them both be the Glory of God—was not forgotten. It was presented before the Gate, and this sinful evanescent one beseeched forgiveness from God, exalted be His glory. God willing, she hath attained unto it.

The vision of Agha Muhammad-Taqi—upon him be God’s favor—is a clear evidence of the grace of God, exalted be His glory. God willing, may he attain unto that which God loveth. Every station is unmentioned before this station—to this beareth witness every seeing one possessed of insight.

Regarding what thou hadst written about Agha Muhammad-Ali Khadim—upon him be the Glory of God—he was indeed engaged in service for a time. His reward hath been and is with God, exalted be His glory. He said:

“Service to this Wronged One is like unto a lamp which accompanieth man in all the worlds, being both enduring and companionable, and it transformeth darkness into light.”

God willing, may this lamp remain preserved at all times and not be extinguished by the diverse winds of the world.

Regarding what you asked about the blessed verse, it was submitted that they said the intention was distant lands, these regions of longitude and others of few hours, and this is exempt from the ruling. Praise be to God, the response to the second missive of that beloved one was also fully submitted. Glory be to God! Despite the heedlessness of the servants and the contention of those in the land without cause, sanctified souls are not forbidden from remembrance—they are ignited with the fire of divine love and illumined by the lights of His countenance. This sun cannot be veiled by the terrestrial sphere, nor can this light of the face be impeded by the darkness of the horizons. Praise be to God, in His path we heard and spoke not, we saw and concealed. Despite the fire of oppression and the swords of hatred, we remained patient and held fast to the hem of the cloak of generosity, that He might guide the people of the world and not deprive them from the Most Great Path. Verily He is the Lord and Master Who doeth what He willeth.

The third missive of that beloved one, which was adorned with mention of the Sovereign of the Kingdom of Utterance and dated the twenty-fifth of the month of Rajab, bestowed a new garment upon the realm of love and affection. Blessed is the servant who hath attained unto that which he desired through the grace of God, our Lord and your Lord and the Lord of all who are in the heavens and the earth. After its reading and perusal, with steps of longing and yearning we approached the station and the first passages of the missive were submitted. They said:

“Verily he grieveth with My grief for what hath befallen Us in this exalted station. O Zayn, grieve not but rejoice, for thy Lord, in the time when grief appeareth, is in joy.”

At most times sorrows descend from various directions, but these sorrows are dearer and sweeter than all that is on earth. Verily My joy is for God and My grief for Him, and My rising and sitting, My movement and stillness, My remembrance and utterance, all are for Him and through Him. Blessed art thou and joy be unto thee, for thou art saddened by His sadness and gladdened in His gladness.

Verily the Wronged One remembereth thee and His loved ones once again and counseleth them with what We counseled them before—with justice and kindness and that which manifesteth the station of man. Blessed is he who acteth according to what hath been commanded in the Book, and woe unto every heedless doubter. And We counsel them to patience and forbearance, and to such virtues as cause blessings to descend and hearts to be assured and the eyes of those near to God to be solaced.

His Eminence Ismi-Jamal, upon him be My glory, is mentioned before the Wronged One. Blessed is he and those who love him. God willing, may they move according to the will of God, exalted be His glory. Peace and glory be upon him and those with him.

And regarding what you wrote about Mirza Maqsud, the details of his past are known to that beloved one, and this year, praise be to God, he attained the pilgrimage. This evanescent servant beseecheth God, exalted be His glory, to strengthen him and grant him to drink from the cup of steadfastness at all times. While he was in this land, he was truly seen to be aflame with the fire of love and his state of remembrance was very good. God willing, may he remain firm and steadfast in such wise that its traces remain in the world. Verily God is the All-Sufficient, the Powerful. In truth all are powerless and wanting unless the white hand bestoweth grace and preserveth.

Regarding what you wrote about Haji Ghulam-Ali and Aqa Ali-Akbar, upon them be the glory of God, they traversed distances through divine love. God willing, after visiting the House of God and completing the rites they will return. I beseech God, exalted be His glory, for their success.

As to what thou didst write concerning Ali, upon him be the Glory of God, from among the people of N.J., this was presented and thus did the Lord of Utterance speak:

“O Ali! Praise be to God that thou hast attained unto a praiseworthy and accepted deed. Thou art among those souls who have entered the shore of the ocean of trust in God. Thou hast made thy movements and stillness, thy turning toward and away, contingent upon His will. This station is great in the sight of God. Hold thou fast unto it forever. We beseech Him to inscribe for thee the reward of what thou hast desired in His path. Verily He is the Mighty, the Powerful, and worthy to answer prayers. An ocean of joy is concealed within these words. God willing, thou shalt attain unto it. Thy return to the regions of Iran is beloved. Verily He doth not suffer the reward of the doers of good to be lost. Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.”

And concerning what was mentioned about Aqa Mirza Habibullah (Kh.V.), upon him be the Glory of God, this was presented before Him and He said:

“This Wronged One hath made mention of him before and after. Praise be to God that they have been assisted in that which is acceptable in the presence of God and His loved ones. O Habib! The Wronged One turneth toward thee at this hour and maketh mention of thee with that which will gladden thy heart and the hearts of the sincere ones. We beseech God, exalted be He, to draw thee nigh unto Him, to adorn thee with the ornament of steadfastness, to purify thee from whatsoever His good-pleasure abhorreth, and to protect thee from every oppressive transgressor and every rebellious one who hath turned away from His straight path. It behooveth all the loved ones in this day to seek assistance from God, exalted be His glory, on behalf of the party that is related to the Truth, for the parties of the world have arisen in hypocrisy and have stood up with utmost tyranny against the saved community.”

What thou didst write about Ali aforementioned and Ali-Muhammad from N.J. having given two units of Huquq was presented, and likewise concerning Hassan, upon him be the Glory of God. He said:

“We have accepted what was sent to thee. Give them the glad-tidings of this bounty. Verily God hath aided them to act in accordance with what they were commanded. We beseech Him to aid all to fulfill what hath been prescribed for them in the Book.”

Section 3: “Give thou the glad-tidings of acceptance…”

Give thou the glad-tidings of acceptance to the aforementioned souls. May God, exalted be His glory, cause all His servants to attain unto that which is befitting and worthy in this day. How many souls who for years spent treasures in the name of the Friend, yet were found deprived at the appointed time and place. In any case, according to His command, that beloved one should take his portion from the aforementioned amount and deliver the remainder to His Holiness the Name of God, the All-Glorious, upon him be the Most Glorious Glory of God.

And concerning what was written about the books, praise and gratitude be to God, news hath arrived from the direction of Q from the beloved of hearts, Samandar, upon him be the Glory of God, the Lord of Power, about the arrival of two volumes which were given to the aforementioned Sayyids, upon them be the peace of God. And mention was made of a very small sum that one of the handmaidens of God had given for the love of God. This small amount became great, for it was blessed with a most beloved mention from the Kingdom of Utterance. Blessed is she! Give her the glad-tidings of her Lord’s loving-kindness.

Mention was made of Haji Muhammad of Ta, which was submitted. He said:

“Praise be to God that he attained acceptance. His journey with the Name of God was accepted in the presence of the Wronged One. His reward is with God Who created him, fashioned him, and aided him to serve His Name. O Muhammad! Thou hast been mentioned in the prison before the Wronged One in such wise as would gladden the eyes of every knowledgeable one who knows. Hold fast to the Sure Handle and cling to the hem of the bounty of God, the All-Forgiving, the All-Generous. The outward affairs of earthly dominion are seen as a mirage—be not grieved by them. The Wronged One commands thee to that which benefits thee and counsels thee to steadfastness, trustworthiness and fear of God. We beseech God to aid thee in all conditions. The bearing of the Book is another bounty—be thankful to God for this and be among those who give thanks. At this time these regions are in turmoil, therefore turning towards this direction would be unwise. Ask thou God, the Lord of the Throne and earth, and the Master of all beings, to ordain for thee the good of the hereafter and of this world. Verily He is powerful over all things.”

Regarding what you wrote about the wife of the martyr Husayn, upon him be the glory of God and His mercy, this is what was uttered by the Tongue in the House of Utterance:

He is God, the Forgiving, the Merciful

“O My handmaiden! We make mention of thee when We saw thee in great tribulation. The one who in that land counted himself chief of the divines, most learned of the jurists, and most excellent of all, attained not to a single word of the exalted Words in the presence of the Wronged One, and was designated as ʿthe Wolf’, for he devoured the blood of the chosen ones and rent Joseph the Messenger. But thou art mentioned in this most exalted station by the Supreme Pen, and the gaze of the Wronged One’s loving-kindness is directed towards thee. The Concourse on High pray for him who was martyred in the path of God, the Lord of the worlds. We make mention of Husayn and say: Blessed art thou! We testify that thou didst fulfill God’s Covenant and Testament, and didst sacrifice thy life in His straight Path. Upon thee be the mercy of God, His loving-kindness, His grace and His favors. We testify that thou didst take hold of the Book when the servants turned away from it, save whom God willed, the Mighty, the All-Knowing.”

Praise be to God that he attained to what was intended and beloved. Mention has been made in a special Tablet of those who attained the honor of martyrdom and showed forth steadfastness, and likewise of their relatives. Blessed are they and joy be unto them. The servant prays for them in the nights and days and makes mention of them in this exalted station.

And regarding the mention made of Aqa Muhammad Mahdi and Aqa Muhammad Hasan of Kh, this sweet utterance appeared from the Dayspring of Knowledge:

He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing

The Wronged One makes mention of thee with a remembrance whereby every hearer is enraptured, every seated one rises, every sleeping one awakens, every stagnant one stirs, and every frozen one melts. Give thanks unto God Who created the world and manifested whatsoever He willed through His command “Be!” and it is. Bear thou witness to that which the Wronged One hath testified: that there is none other God but Him, the Supreme, the Self-Subsisting. Blessed are they who have cast away what the people possess, turning unto the Most Exalted Horizon. These are among the most exalted of creation in the sight of the Truth, as attested by honored servants.

O Mahdi! The Wronged One of the world ever maketh mention of the friends of God. Every fair-minded person beareth witness that in bearing tribulations and afflictions and all that hath befallen Him, His purpose hath been to exalt the Word of God, and He hath in no wise sought to preserve His own self. Say: O people of the earth! Arise from the couch of heedlessness. He hath granted you sight that ye may behold the effulgences of the Sun of Truth, and bestowed upon you hearing that ye may hearken unto the call of the Herald. Beseech ye God that He deprive you not. Today the ocean of utterance is surging and the sun of bounty is shining. Purify yourselves from the defilements of idle fancies and vain imaginings that ye may attain unto the most great bounty.

O Mahdi! Convey My greetings unto him who was named Muhammad-Qabli-Hasan. Praise be to God that his mention was made in the presence of the Wronged One and he attained unto that which is acceptable in the sight of God. O Muhammad-Qabli-Hasan! I beseech God, exalted be His glory, to aid thee in that which beseemeth His path. The world is transient and what is with God endureth. Say: O manifestations of idle fancy! The fragrance of the All-Merciful is wafting. Cast aside your vain imaginings and turn unto the horizon of certitude. How long will ye persist in heedlessness? Strive ye that perchance ye may not be deprived of the imperishable Kawthar of the Self-Sufficient, the Most High. A most momentous journey lieth ahead; preparation and provision for it are essential.

Hearken unto the call of the Wronged One and hold fast unto that which is meet and proper. Verily He hath spoken the truth and commanded you to that which profiteth you in every world of the worlds of your Lord, the All-Merciful, the Most Generous. We beseech God to forgive you both and then those for whom ye have sought mercy from the ocean of your Lord’s grace, the Forgiving, the Merciful. The glory shining forth from the horizon of divine favor be upon those who have cast aside vain imaginings and have held fast unto the Book of God, the Lord of all worlds.

After beholding the waves of the ocean of utterance, let that beloved one write the blessed Tablet in his noble hand and send it especially to the two souls—upon them be the Bahá of God—that haply God may guide through them the heedless, who have cast away the Call and clung to the buzzing of flies.

The passages from the petition of Jináb-i-Mullá Mírzá M. Ḥ.—upon him be the Bahá of God—of the people of Khúy, which he had written to that Holiness, were presented in the Most Holy, Most Mighty, and Most Exalted Court. This utterance shone forth from the Dayspring of knowledge:

He is the Help in Peril over all names.

O Muḥammad! God willing, mayest thou attain unto the favor of the True One—glorified be His majesty—and be illumined with the lights of His countenance. That which had been inscribed in the Books and Scriptures hath appeared in less than the twinkling of an eye. Blessed is he who hath cast the world behind him and turned toward the Most Great Scene. Such a one, verily, is of them that have attained unto that which was written by the Pen of the Most High in the Crimson Scroll. Thy Lord, the Lord of all mankind, beareth witness thereto; yet the people are in manifest veiling.

Zaynu’l-Muqarrabín—upon him be My Bahá—hath mentioned that which thou didst send unto him, and the servant in attendance presented it. We have answered thee with these words, from which the sincere inhale the fragrance of the All-Merciful throughout the realm of creation. Blessed is he who cleaveth to that which he hath been commanded by an Ordainer, a Wise One.

We have heard thy call and thy lamentation. Look, then, and remember the former centuries and that which every remote divine and every doubtful mystic committed. That hath appeared whereby the eyes of the Concourse on high have been solaced; yet most of the people are of the heedless. They have cast away their God and taken up their passions. Thus have their own selves enticed them, and this day they are in grievous delusion.

God willing, mayest thou be assisted to stand firm and serve the Cause until there appear from thee that which befitteth this blessed Day. How many souls have mistaken falsehood for truth and, clinging to idle fancies and vain imaginings, have remained deprived of the Dayspring of divine knowledge. Say: O ye that are veiled! In truth I say, the mirage is not worthy of attention. Cast it behind you, then advance with illumined hearts toward the Life-giving Ocean which surgeth in the name of the All-Merciful at the center of creation. Thus doth the Supreme Pen warble upon the branches of the Lote-Tree of Knowledge, from the presence of One All-Knowing, All-Informed.

Blessed is the soul that pondereth today on that which hath been manifested and speaketh with fairness. God willing, may your honor, in the name of God, shatter the idols of vain imaginings and rend asunder the veils of idle fancies, that all may behold the rays of the Sun of Truth at its meridian and attain unto that which God hath willed. Say: By the life of God! If ye would reflect but a little upon the signs, verses and evidences, ye would find that from which ye are now veiled. Say: The bounty and generosity of God necessitate these utterances that have been mentioned, else He is indeed independent of all worlds. Glory be upon the people of Baha who have held fast unto pure righteousness and have adhered unto what is virtuous and unto that which they have been commanded in the Book of God, the Lord of all worlds.

O Zayn! Reflect upon the waves of the divine ocean of utterance and upon the lowliness of the stations of those who have taken mere fancy for the Self-Subsisting. Fie upon them and upon those who have followed them without leave or command from Our presence. Soon shall they disavow each other and each other disown. The words of Muhammad were heard and received their answer. God willing, may they gather precious jewels from the mine of divine wisdom and utterance, and perchance through this river of mercy there may be bestowed upon the veiled ones of that land and its surroundings that which shall grant sight to the eyes and hearing to the ears. Verily, He is powerful over all things.

With the dawning rays of the Sun of divine favors, what else can this evanescent servant mention that would be worthy? Verily, the weary tongue cannot speak save through His all-encompassing grace. Convey greetings to the mentioned companions and all the friends of that land. God willing, may they be focused on that which endureth and be directed toward and act upon that which perisheth not, for today man is able to deposit in the treasury of divine remembrance a remembrance that shall last. Blessed are they that attain.

Concerning what you mentioned about Jinab-i-Aqa Mirza Muhammad, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, it was submitted. He said: God, exalted be His glory, will assuredly bestow whatever is beneficial upon those who have migrated in His path and will ordain it. O Zayn, convey My greetings to him and give him glad tidings of My favor. He should pray for his children, for the prayers of fathers for their sons are quickly answered. God willing, may all attain to that which God loves.

We make mention in this place of Ahmad’s wife who has ascended to God, and We give her glad tidings of God’s favor, the Lord of all worlds. We beseech Him, exalted be He, to aid her and His handmaidens to act in accordance with what they have been commanded in His mighty Book. The people of Zawra have attained the lights of the Countenance and among them wafts the fragrance of the All-Merciful. Blessed is he who has found it, and woe to the heedless.

We make mention of My Most Truthful Name who was mentioned in your letters. He is among those who has cast aside the world and turned to the Most Great Name when the heedless imprisoned him in a mighty fortress.

O Zayn! Make mention of him who ascended to God, who circumambulated the Wronged One in this most exalted place, who was named Muhammad-ʿAli from the people of Qaf in Kha. By My life! Through his temple We adorned the earth and through his ascension the breezes of grace wafted.

We make mention of the dervish who migrated with the Wronged One. We testify that he is among those who attained My good-pleasure and ascended, purified from doubts and allusions, and illumined with the lights of certitude. Upon them be the glory of God and His favor, and the mercy of God and His grace. Blessed is he who remembered them before their ascension and remembers them after their passing. We beseech God, exalted be He, to manifest their stations among His servants. Verily, He is the Hearer, the Answerer.

Concerning what was written about Jinab-i-Haji Ghulam-Husayn, upon him be Baha’u’llah’s glory, it was submitted. He said: God willing, may he be aided to mention God and serve His Cause. The sending of the Book is an act that is accepted, righteous, appreciated, remembered and recorded. Blessed is the sender, the bearer, and the receiver.

In truth, these two blessed souls who ascended in the Most Great Prison were among the assured, tranquil and steadfast souls. After their ascension their stations became manifest, for that which was revealed concerning them cannot be equaled by the riches of the world. Blessed are they and joy be unto them! Would that I had been with them and had attained what was revealed for them. We beseech Him, exalted be He, by Him and by them, to assist us in what He loves and is pleased with. Verily, He is the Lord of the latter and the former. The glory that is manifest and resplendent from the horizon of the heaven of utterance be upon you and those with you and upon those who have attained the Cause of God, the Mighty, the Great. And praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds.

The Servant, 7 Dhi’l-Qa’dih al-Haram 1299